Magnificat facts for kids
The Magnificat is a special song sung by the Virgin Mary. This happened after an angel told her she would give birth to God's son. This story is found in the Bible, in the book of Luke, Chapter 1, verses 46-55. The song is also known as the Song of Mary. The word "Magnificat" comes from Latin and means "magnifies." It means Mary is saying how great God is.
Many music writers, called composers, have created music for the words of the Magnificat. Most of these musical pieces were made for church services. In the Anglican Church, this song is always sung during the traditional evening service, called Evensong.
Like other texts in the New Testament (the second part of the Bible), the Magnificat was first written in Koine Greek. However, in Western churches, you will often find it in Latin or the language of the country.
The Song's Words
Here are the words of the Magnificat in a traditional English translation, often found in the Book of Common Prayer:
- My soul doth magnify the Lord : and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
- For he hath regarded : the lowliness of his handmaiden.
- For behold, from henceforth : all generations shall call me blessed.
- For he that is mighty hath magnified me : and holy is his Name.
- And his mercy is on them that fear him : throughout all generations.
- He hath shewed strength with his arm : he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
- He hath put down the mighty from their seat : and hath exalted the humble and meek.
- He hath filled the hungry with good things : and the rich he hath sent empty away.
- He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel : as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Visitation, by Domenico Ghirlandaio (1491), shows Mary visiting her elderly cousin Elizabeth.
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Translations of the Magnificat into different languages at the Church of the Visitation in Ein Karem.
See also
In Spanish: Magníficat (oración) para niños
